balkanized

A term used to describe the division of the Internet and its portrayal as having a tiered access
system. There are numerous ways to gain access to the Internet, depending on how much you want to spend, and the speed of connection you desire. For example, there is dial-up, DSL, satellite, Wi-Fi, and cable. In other words, "balkanized" refers to the circumstance where the cost you can afford is equal to the quality of service you will receive, and there is a great range (or tier) of services available.